Welcome to Lakewood
Known for its beautiful lakes, historic charm, and unbeatable access to JBLM, Lakewood is one of the South Sound’s most diverse and vibrant communities. With waterfront parks, established neighborhoods, and a growing retail and restaurant scene, Lakewood offers residents a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. From American Lake to idyllic Oakbrook, Lakewood is a city where recreation, affordability, and convenience meet.
Quick Facts
Average Home Price: $450K–$650K (varies widely based on water proximity, neighborhood, and home style)
Commute: ~5–10 minutes to JBLM, ~15 minutes to Tacoma, ~50 minutes to Seattle
School District: Clover Park School District
Vibe: Lakeside, diverse, convenient, community-focused, and recreation-driven
Why People Love Lakewood
🌊 Seven Lakes Within City Limits: American Lake, Lake Steilacoom, Gravelly Lake, Waughop Lake, and more—perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding.
🏡 Established Neighborhoods: From classic ramblers to mid-century homes and highly sought-after Oakbrook communities.
🎖️ Unmatched JBLM Access: One of the closest residential cities to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
🌳 Outdoor Recreation Everywhere: Fort Steilacoom Park, one of the largest urban parks in the region, is right in the heart of the city.
🛍️ Convenient Amenities: The Lakewood Towne Center offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and essential services.
🌆 Diverse Housing & People: A welcoming community with residents from all backgrounds and lifestyles.
Things to Do
Lakewood offers an impressive mix of outdoor adventure, entertainment, and local favorites:
Fort Steilacoom Park: 340 acres of trails, sports fields, off-leash dog areas, playgrounds, and historic sites.
American Lake Park: Beach access, boat launch, fishing pier, playground, and incredible sunset views.
Oakbrook Golf Club: One of the area’s most popular and scenic golf courses.
Lakewood Towne Center: Shopping, restaurants, a movie theater, and community events.
McChord Airfield Museum (nearby): Aviation history connected to JBLM’s heritage.
Thornewood Castle: A historic landmark and unique local destination for wedding tours and events.
Housing Snapshot
Lakewood offers an unusually diverse housing mix. Buyers will find mid-century homes, well-established neighborhoods, lakeside estates, and modern remodels throughout the city. Popular areas include Oakbrook, Lake City, North Lakewood, and neighborhoods surrounding American Lake. Waterfront and water-view homes command premium pricing, while interior neighborhoods provide excellent affordability and value.
Who It’s Best For
- Military households who want the shortest commute to JBLM
- Buyers looking for affordability near Tacoma
- Families seeking recreation, parks, and lakes nearby
- Water lovers who want boating, fishing, and outdoor living
- Anyone wanting a mix of suburban convenience and natural beauty
Real Estate Snapshot (as of Fall 2025)
Median Listing Price: ~$525,000
Average Days on Market: ~30
Year-Over-Year Appreciation: +2%
(Data sourced from NWMLS & Redfin averages)
Thinking About Moving to Lakewood?
Whether you want to live near American Lake, settle into the community charm of Oakbrook, or find an affordable home just minutes from JBLM, 253 Realty knows Lakewood inside and out.
👉 Contact our team to explore homes, get a free market report, or schedule a personalized neighborhood tour.